Statement on Federal Assistance for Indiana
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Indiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and
flooding on July 4, 2003, and continuing.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home
repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other
programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the
effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard
mitigation measures.

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas,
and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated
after the assessments are completed.

The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained
losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance
tomorrow by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for
the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will
operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.